Pre-session, Sampson reaches out to Skelos

Although it remains unclear what they’ll be working on; the governor’s to-do list for Monday’s session is still pending. Here’s the letter from Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson to Republican Leader Dean Skelos, just released:

Dear Senator Skelos,

Today, the Senate received draft bills from the Executive for discussion and potential action when we reconvene next week.

I send you this letter urging us to come together as one legislative body, share the responsibilities of governing and do the people’s work. While there are still three outstanding Senate races, New York is facing difficult economic times and we must not allow the complications of political uncertainty to stand in the way of progress.

On the issues of the state budget, property tax relief, government consolidation, and other issues of importance, we should be working across party lines to get results for New Yorkers. Rather than be paralyzed by political circumstances, the Senate should be galvanized by a call to united action and shared responsibility. I believe this is what government and good government should be about – finding bipartisan or even non-partisan solutions to our problems.

Over the last two years, partnership between Republicans and Democrats brought us important legislative achievements: education reforms that helped us win Race to the Top dollars, an increase in the charter school cap, No-Fault Divorce, Green Jobs and historic Public Authorities and Pension Reform couldn’t have been done if they weren’t done together. Each of these instances demonstrate our success, not based just on the final passage of essential legislation, but as a testament to what the Senate can accomplish through cooperation, collaboration, and compromise.

I invite you to meet with me in Albany on the morning of November 29th to discuss how we can move forward with the agenda that has been put before us by the Executive. I respectfully request a response by close of business, Friday, November 26th, and look forward to working with you to meet the needs of the people we collectively represent.